The LinkedIn System
1. Use the Homepage as your LinkedIn HQ
One of the time wasting traps that LinkedIn users fall into is the email notification system. If you set up your account so you get an email for every invitation, every group discussion, every status update, you will spend an inordinate amount of time on LinkedIn.
Go to your account settings and set it up so you get “Web Only” notifications. This will cause you to be more disciplined in your use of LinkedIn – and make you log on to the LinkedIn Homepage to access your notifications.
By doing it this way, you have a set place to go during the 15-30 minutes you spend on LinkedIn – a headquarters if you will for all of your activity.
2. When possible, log on the same time each day
When we work with companies on how to use LinkedIn, we always recommend that they log on to LinkedIn at the same time each day – or twice a day depending on your activity on the network.
For most, it’s once in the morning and once in the evening. But your routine will depend on your schedule and your workload. Notice we said routine. If nothing else, making LinkedIn a routine will cut down on the amount of time you spend on the network, and make the time you do spend on LinkedIn more efficient.
3. Start with a Status Update – Say hello! to your LinkedIn network
We’ve mentioned in previous columns the Status Update on LinkedIn and what a great marketing tool it is for B2B and B2C firms. Use it daily and what how your reach increases.
When you first log on to LinkedIn – post an update for the morning. You can always have them written out in advance (as is the case with company news or announcements) or link to a particular article you find helpful to your customers and network.
Make the Status Update a way of saying “hello!” to your network and be consistent – post it at the same time every day – or every other day. Soon, people will expect to see your LinkedIn status. It’s a great way to promote your brand.
4. Answer Messages and Invitations in a timely manner
Next, head to your LinkedIn inbox. Check to see if there are any messages or invitations that you need to answer. Do this in a timely manner.
What’s timely? My suggestion is within 2 business days, longer if you’re swamped or traveling. Your Inbox is the gateway to your network – new connections and current ones often use LinkedIn to keep in touch and you should respond in a way that will strengthen relationships.
5. Monitor Group activity
Finally, head on over to your LinkedIn groups – you should be a member of several, especially the ones where your customers live.
Take a few minutes to monitor the latest discussions. Respond IF you have something relevant to say, and add to the discussion.
Not a member of many groups? Take a few minutes each day for a week and research relevant groups, monitor their discussions and THEN decide if you want to join.
Again, find the groups where your customers live, be part of the discussions and show off your subject matter expertise.
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